81R20847 MCK-D
By: Edwards H.B. No. 1026
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 1026:
By: Edwards C.S.H.B. No. 1026
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to establishing legislative district volunteer emergency
response teams.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle C, Title 11, Local Government Code, is
amended by adding Chapter 364 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 364. LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY RESPONSE
TEAMS
Sec. 364.001. LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY
RESPONSE TEAMS. Each district within 100 miles of the Gulf of
Mexico from which a member of the state house of representatives is
elected may form a district volunteer emergency response team to:
(1) increase the number of trained volunteer
responders in the district;
(2) assist local government to coordinate information
among district residents and local and state government officials;
(3) assist local and state government to coordinate
distribution of aid during a disaster or emergency; and
(4) serve as a source of information to the residents
of the district.
Sec. 364.002. TEAM MEMBERSHIP. Each district volunteer
emergency response team may include:
(1) licensed amateur radio operators;
(2) persons who have a medical background; and
(3) persons who have completed Federal Emergency
Management Agency Incident Command System training classes 100,
200, 700, and 800A.
Sec. 364.003. DUTIES OF TEAM. The district volunteer
emergency response team shall collaborate with county and municipal
emergency management entities to determine the scope of work and
duties of the team.
Sec. 364.004. COMMUNICATIONS CENTERS. Each communications
center may contain an amateur radio operator, radio equipment, and
wireless Internet access.
Sec. 364.005. MEDICAL TRIAGE TRANSPORT STAGING DUTIES. (a)
The medical triage transport staging site may:
(1) be equipped with a generator;
(2) include restroom facilities, showers, and a food
preparation location;
(3) have available an amateur radio operator;
(4) have equipment that has the capacity to produce
ice; and
(5) be located in an area that is not subject to
flooding during a category four hurricane.
(b) The district volunteer emergency response team shall
coordinate with county and municipal emergency management entities
and the elected state representative representing the district
about the location of the medical triage transport staging site.
Sec. 364.006. APPROPRIATIONS. Each district volunteer
emergency response team that complies with the requirements of this
chapter may be eligible to receive money appropriated by the state.
Sec. 364.007. POWERS AND DUTIES OF COUNTY. The county in
which most of the district residents reside may:
(1) administer the district volunteer emergency
response team's funds, including any money appropriated to the team
by the state;
(2) make purchases for the team; and
(3) provide the team with appropriate volunteer
equipment.
Sec. 364.008. LEGISLATIVE LIAISON. The state
representative whose district creates a district volunteer
emergency response team shall serve as a liaison for the team. Each
state senator that represents the district may also serve as a
liaison.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2009.